Something’s been feeling a little… off at Disney World resorts lately. Guests aren’t exactly turning in their Mouse Ears, but there’s a growing sense that the resort experience just isn’t living up to what it once was. And if you’ve stayed at one recently, you’ve probably noticed the same thing: it’s not bad—it’s just not quite the premium experience it used to be.
Same Price, Fewer Perks
It used to be that staying on Disney property came with some serious perks. Little things, like towel animals on the bed or the option to order a late-night snack, added to the feeling that you were in a magical bubble. Now? Not so much. Those extras have slowly disappeared, especially at value and moderate resorts.
Room service is mostly gone, even at many deluxe resorts. And those fun little “Disney touches” that made a stay feel truly special are harder to find. For guests paying top dollar, that lack of magic feels like a letdown—and the value just isn’t adding up the way it used to.
Tech Troubles Are Creating Real-World Problems
The My Disney Experience app is a core part of the trip these days, but it’s not perfect. A few guests have reported that it checked them out of their hotel room automatically—before they were ready. In one especially frustrating case, a guest went out for brunch on check-out day and returned to find their room cleaned out and their belongings missing.
Turns out, the app just assumed they were gone for good. Disney Cast Members helped with the situation, but not everything was recovered. That kind of glitch turns a relaxing vacation morning into a scramble. So if you’re heading out early but plan to return before check-out time, it’s a good idea to leave your bags with Bell Services just to be safe.
The After-Park Hunger Struggle
Now let’s talk about one of the most common pain points lately: food. After a full day in the parks, people just want to grab a bite and relax. But depending on what resort you’re staying at, you might find your dining options already closed.
Most food courts shut down between 10 and 11 p.m., and since parks like Magic Kingdom often close around the same time, there’s a good chance you’ll miss the window entirely. Add in wait times for transportation and walking back to your room, and suddenly you’re stuck without dinner. And with traditional room service no longer an option at most resorts, guests are learning the hard way that late-night snacks aren’t guaranteed.
What This Means for Future Stays
None of these things are vacation-ruiners by themselves. But stacked together? They can definitely chip away at the experience. If you’re planning a stay at a Disney World hotel anytime soon, come prepared. Pack a few snacks, double-check check-out procedures, and don’t rely too heavily on the app or food courts to come through when you need them most.
The magic’s still there—but it might take a little more effort to feel it these days.
